Looking Back
85+ Years of Family, Business, LSU, Community, and the Lone Witness to JFK's Autopsy
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Pub Date 8 Dec 2026 | Archive Date 25 Dec 2026
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Description
RICHARD LIPSEY is best known as a renowned entrepreneur, the man behind the historic US wholesaler Lipsey’s, and a philanthropist with his eye on education and community—but that’s only what the world knows.
In this sweeping memoir, Richard recounts his extraordinary path: his family’s arrival in America at the end of the nineteenth century, his birth in Selma, Alabama, a childhood shaped by an extended family committed to contributing to their new country, his surprising role as an aide to JFK during arguably the most elegant social seasons the White House ever had, and his solemn responsibility as the lone witness to President John F. Kennedy’s autopsy. He shares firsthand accounts of historic events, including the aftermath of the president’s assassination, and offers rare insights into the personalities of the Kennedy family and the inner workings of Washington, DC.
Beyond the corridors of government, Richard’s adventures span Arctic hunts for polar bears, the founding and growth of iconic family businesses, and decades of civic leadership in Baton Rouge. His narrative is rich with tales of perseverance, the pursuit of excellence, and generations of a family committed to giving back to the community, especially his beloved LSU. Richard shares how he navigated all these paths, from building a sporting goods empire to revitalizing the legendary Haspel clothing brand and championing cancer care and education.
With warmth and candor, he also reflects on the values that shaped his life: hard work, kindness, and philanthropy. Richard is a man who chooses to leave nothing on the table, and Looking Back is a testament to kindness, service, and the proposition that we should make the most of life—and leave the world better than the way we found it.
Advance Praise
“Richard Lipsey is the living example of the American Dream and has also had amazing brushes with history. Through sheer hard work and smart determination, Richard built the nation’s largest firearms distributorship (among other businesses), raised a loving family, and made his mark as a nationally respected conservationist. What an amazing life he has lived!”
—Former Majority Leader Steve Scalise, US House of Representatives
“Richard Lipsey has led one of the fullest, most impactful, and utterly fascinating lives of all the people I know. Whether as a stunningly successful businessman, a much sought-after public leader, a generous philanthropist, or a deeply committed family man, Richard provides all of us a role model without compromise. All who know him have for decades turned to Richard Lipsey for his wisdom, his energy, and his kindness. His life story—his life’s work—reflects a profound love of family, community, and country that animates this book. This is a story that shows what it means to be a great American. Enjoy.”
—Mark Emmert, past president, NCAA, and past chancellor, Louisiana State University
“Richard danced with Jackie O., stood guard over JFK, and transformed a family business with one location in Baton Rouge into the largest firearms distributor in the world. When he did, he had more time with Susan to serve their community. There are lessons in this book for business and for life.”
—William “Bill” Cassidy, former United States senator from Louisiana
“Richard Lipsey is a Louisiana legend. He sold me two of the most Louisiana products imaginable: a sixteen-gauge shotgun and a seersucker suit. Anyone who loves Louisiana owes it to themselves to read about this remarkable person.”
—James Carville, American political consultant and author
“No one has ever done more for Baton Rouge than Richard Lipsey. He is a wonderful family man and businessman. Richard is the number one firearms wholesaler in the USA.”
—Skip Bertman, former LSU national champion baseball coach and athletic director
“A great read! The phrase ‘a life well lived’ perfectly describes Richard Lipsey’s journey. A gentleman, patriot, businessman, and servant leader, I am fortunate to call him my friend and mentor.”
—Chris Killoy, retired president and CEO, Ruger Firearms
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9798891388857 |
| PRICE | $30.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 232 |